The invention relates to a process for cracking a hydrocarbon-containing feed in a cracking furnace. A plurality of heat exchangers are arranged in the convection zone of the cracking furnace to utilize the heat of flue gas formed in the radiation zone by combustion. Depending on the type and state of matter of the hydrocarbon-containing feed, flow occurs through the heat exchangers to achieve, independently of the type and state of matter of the hydrocarbon-containing feed, an exit temperature of the flue gas in the range from 80° C. to 150° C.